Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries.

In emergencies and their aftermath, MSF provides essential health care, rehabilitates and runs hospitals and clinics, performs surgery, battles epidemics, carries out vaccination campaigns, operates feeding centres for malnourished children, and offers mental health care. When needed, MSF also constructs wells and dispenses clean drinking water, and provides shelter materials like blankets and plastic sheeting.

Through longer-term programmes, MSF treats patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, sleeping sickness, HIV/AIDS, and provides medical and psychological care to marginalised groups such as street children.

MSF was founded in 1971 as the first non-governmental organisation to both provide emergency medical assistance and bear witness publicly to the plight of the people it assists.

Independent Humanitarian Action
MSF's decision to intervene in any country or crisis is based solely on an independent assessment of people's needs - not on political, economic, or religious interests. MSF does not take sides or intervene according to the demands of governments or warring parties.

MSF volunteers frequently work in the most remote or dangerous parts of the world. When crises unfold, they make themselves and their skills available on short notice, usually dedicating six to twelve months to each assignment. Their expenses are covered and they receive a modest stipend.

MSF teams are composed of international and skilled local staff. Together, they work closely with national medical professionals and cooperate with other aid organisations.

Speaking Out to End Suffering
MSF unites direct medical care with a commitment to speaking out against the causes of suffering and the obstacles to providing effective assistance. MSF volunteers raise the concerns of their patients with governments, the United Nations, other international bodies, the general public, and the media. In a wide range of circumstances, MSF staff has spoken out against violations of international humanitarian law they have witnessed - from Chechnya to Sudan.

In 1999 MSF launched the Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines. Click here to read more about the campaign.

Financial Independence and Accountability
To maintain its operational independence and flexibility, MSF relies on the general public for nearly 80 percent of its operating funds. The remaining 20 percent of funds come from international agencies and governments.

To view the other MSF websites, please click here.

MSF Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines
Rue de Lausanne 78 - Mailbox 116 - CH-1211 Genève 21
Phone: +41 22 849 84 05 - Fax: +41 22 849 84 04 - info(at)geneva.msf.org

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